Samuel A. Floyd, a log and timber inspector of Franklin County, continues:
July 15th— … On Thursday, gave a rowing exertion — I had secured three boats and about 9 o/c we embarked with the women split in different boats. We went up to Turtle Harbor with the intention of going to Turners but the tide was so low the boats could not float on account of their heavy freightage. I undertook to go and bring melons down and though successful I was attended with the most severe exercise. The girls seemed to enjoy the row “muchly” — ‘twas a bright moonlight.
27th— all yesterday felt weak from effects of medicine taken the night previous. Went down to the store and there ascertained to my great surprise that I am indebted to the firm for $35. That damn housekeeping with manipulated accounts is the prime cause. Feel miserably today. Am glad this (is) Saturday as I can rest tomorrow. It has been fearfully hot for five days past and today. Eleven years ago today I was with my regiment 2nd Florida Infantry encamped at Camp Leenear Gen. Winfield Scott’s residence about 1-1/2 miles west of Richmond, VA.
28th— played croquet yesterday. Have been feeling miserably for several days.
August 1872
Aug. 1 — The steamship Farley brought very agreeable news yesterday that North Carolina had gone Democratic at a convention of Liberals and Democrats held on Friday Eve. Senator James Atkins and Robert Baker were nominated the delegates to attend the convention to be held at Jacksonville on the 14th. Daniels left here today for Tallahassee to attend the Republican Convention. Mrs. Goodlet’s scuppernong grapes are ripening rapidly and are very fine.
A few evenings since while at Mrs. Pohlman’s she asked me to look at a calf that had taken suddenly sick. After examining I suggested that its ear should be cut that it might be bled and as the blood began to drip from the end as I severed a piece off, she cried — “Just see how it’s leaking.”
7th— Rained incessantly yesterday and neither of the mills ran. Played a game of billiards with Davisand beat him about 20 points. Attempted to play croquet yesterday about sunset, notwithstanding it had been raining all day in torrents and the consequence was wet feet to all and cold caught by me therefrom. Whenever Miss Jane Goodlet feels indisposed she is guilty of following elegant expression: “I feel like a stewed witch.” I told Grady that I did not think it possible that I owed the firm anything, and it has proved correct. He discovered the error.
8th— Took a stroll with John Grady about town yesterday p.m. saw many young ladies promenading and others playing croquet.
9th — mail brought me no letters. Paper confirmed rumor of NC election being Democratic. The steamer Julia St. Clair is now lying at the wharf taking aboard a cotton press which Whitesides was going to have erected at Savannah. Senator Joseph Atkins embarked today via St. Marks on route for Jacksonville. Whether he goes as one of the delegates chosen from this place or a place chosen by the Democrats.
11th — Last eve went on the beach and it certainly was the least pleasant of any walk I ever had. Misses Pohlman accompanied me — Davis and household went down to East Pass yesterday aboard the Ella to see the brig Salista depart. Capt. Palmer and his wife aboard also a numerous company of imbibed guests. I got in through the window when going to bed last evening.
13thJack Lawrence died last night after a very short illness. He is a native of this place — congestive fever was the malady. The negroes are on a picnic aboard the Ella. The weather since Tuesday morning (this is Thursday) has been miserably cheerless and uncomfortable. Mills have not operated in consequences of high tides.
Philip Lind left for Philadelphia aboard a vessel loaded with lumber from Wise’s Mill. He goes to apprentice himself as a machinist.
18th— I was awakened about 2 o/c this morning by someone calling “Anna, Anna open the door.” Don’t you know who it is?” Recognized Eaton’s voice. His vessel the Ever Adell has been 40 days from New York to this place — had 22 days of dead calm.
Played croquet yesterday p.m. until 6 then took my gun and went beyond Broughtons to shoot night hawks — had but one shot and killed one — also killed two swallows out of 6 shots — bad.
19th— Lower mill only working today. The tug Ella is undergoing repairs again — a large hole was discovered in the boiler and this morn it is invariably the case. Steamer Farley arrived this afternoon about 3 o/c — brought news of the convention.
20th— Vincent of the firm Vincent & Murat attempted to kill his wife yesterday afternoon late and supposing he had done so drew a pistol and placing the muzzle to his ear fired. He is yet alive, but Wakefield thinks he will not recover. Liquor was the principal cause; he has been drinking for a long time. This is a delightfully pleasant morning, bright, cool and breezy.
Vincent died since 12. He retained consciousness to the last. I have but little sympathy for him yet I am sorry that he died before making suitable arrangements about his family. He leaves a wife and several very sweet children.
We have nearly saved up all the logs on hand and the lower mill is now edging the rough boards that were piled between the tracks from the upper mill. Finished a cribbage board day before yesterday. I carried my gun just beyond Broughton’s and killed 9 birds and a quail. Davis is ill.